Ronaldo Nazario’s controversial tenure as majority owner of Real Valladolid has officially ended, but his exit continues to raise concerns about the club’s future direction.
The Brazilian football legend, who acquired a controlling stake in the Spanish side in 2019, recently finalised a deal to sell his 82% ownership in the relegated club.
The transaction, reportedly valued at approximately €50 million, sees a North American investment group known as Ignite assume primary control.
Mexican businessman Gabriel Solares is expected to lead the club under the new ownership.
However, Marca reports that Ronaldo did not sell his entire shareholding for cash.
As part of the deal, he transferred 33.26% of the club’s equity to Luxembourg-based investment firm Ben Oldman to settle a private debt.
This move positions Ben Oldman as the second-largest stakeholder in the club, behind Ignite, which now holds 54.46%.
Agora and a consortium of smaller investors hold 9.65% and 2.73% respectively.
Ben Oldman, founded by Isaac Benzaquen in 2013, now also gains a seat on the club’s Board of Directors.
Ronaldo’s tenure was marked by lofty ambitions, including a five-year plan to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, but instead yielded limited investment and growing fan discontent.
This season’s relegation and widespread supporter protests sealed the end of his tenure.
